Word Study
vinyl
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun vinyl has 2 senses
- vinyl(n = noun.substance) vinyl group, vinyl radical - a univalent chemical radical derived from ethylene; Array is a kind of chemical group, group, radical
- vinyl(n = noun.substance) Array - shiny and tough and flexible plastic; used especially for floor coverings; Array is a kind of plastic
CIDE DICTIONARY
vinyl, n. [L. vinum wine + -yl.].
The hypothetical radical C2H3 , regarded as the characteristic residue of ethylene and that related series of unsaturated hydrocarbons with which the allyl compounds are homologous. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
vinyl, n. any plastic made by polymerizing a compound containing the vinyl group, esp. polyvinyl chloride.
Idiom
vinyl group the organic radical or group CH2CH.
Etymology
L vinum wine + -YL
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